Cape Town – Eskom says it is committed to combating fraud and corruption after a recent report which claimed that police are planning to arrest a senior executive at the power utility for alleged involvement in sabotage activities targeting power stations.
Times Live cited City Press as saying that the executive is suspected of orchestrating and causing deliberate breakdowns at specific power stations.
It is alleged that the executive appointed certain engineers to ensure these breakdowns occurred, resulting in financial gains for both the engineers and the executive when funds were used to repair the damages.
Police minister Bheki Cele confirmed the investigation, mentioning leaked WhatsApp messages as evidence.
“My guys heard the executive talking to me and said this was someone of high interest because an individual in such a high-ranking position must know more than that person was telling us,” the report quoted Cele as saying.
Eskom said that it takes these allegations seriously and will cooperate fully with law enforcement to address any crimes related to its operations.
“Eskom takes these sabotage allegations seriously and will allow the law to take its course. Eskom is committed to rooting out fraud, corruption and sabotage within its ranks and will fully cooperate with law enforcement to ensure the most effective and coordinated responses to any crime related to Eskom’s operations,” the power utility said on Tuesday.
Eskom’s response to media reports on allegations of sabotage by an executive pic.twitter.com/Yna19t0WFw
— Eskom Hld SOC Ltd (@Eskom_SA) June 5, 2023
However, the power utility expressed its surprise that City Press did not approach it for comment regarding the alleged involvement of its executives in sabotage incidents.
Eskom “never approached by City Press to comment on any of its executives allegedly implicated in sabotage incidents”.
“However, we can confirm that City Press did approach Eskom on some allegations related to the awarding of a security contract, the involvement of an executive with a fuel supplier and on the statement made by the Minister of Police during his appearance at the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa).
“Eskom responded to questions from City Press in writing on 20 May 2023 to the best of its ability and knowledge. We, however, noted that City Press used Eskom’s response of 20 May 2023 as a comment to the alleged sabotage. It would have been prudent for City Press to seek a comment from Eskom on the allegations they published yesterday. We would like to confirm that Eskom is amenable to respond to any questions on these serious allegations,” the power utility said.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
